Best Shawarma Spices & Seasonings to Buy

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Shawarma’s flavor comes from a warm, fragrant mix of spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric and black pepper, rounded out with small amounts of cinnamon, allspice, cardamom and cloves. You can blend your own, but a good ready-made seasoning saves time and a cupboard full of jars.

Our picks

• Best for chicken shawarma: Spice Way Shawarma Seasoning
• Best small jar to try: Sadaf Shawarma Seasoning (2 oz)

1. Spice Way Shawarma Seasoning — best for chicken

Spice Way markets this blend for poultry, which makes it a natural fit for chicken shawarma. Use it as the base of a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice and fresh garlic, then roast or sear.

Ideal uses: chicken thighs, chicken wings, roasted vegetables. Check: the label for salt so you can adjust your marinade.

View Spice Way on Amazon →

2. Sadaf Shawarma Seasoning — best small jar to try

Sadaf is a well-known Middle Eastern pantry brand, and this 2 oz jar is an easy, low-commitment way to see whether a pre-made blend suits your taste. It works in marinades, dry rubs and stirred into yogurt sauces.

Ideal uses: beef or chicken marinades, seasoning rice, yogurt dips. Keep in mind: a small jar goes fast if you cook shawarma often.

View Sadaf on Amazon →

What to look for in a shawarma seasoning

• Cumin and coriander near the top of the ingredient list — they are the backbone.
• Warm spices such as cinnamon, allspice or cardamom for depth.
• Salt level. Salted blends mean you add less salt to the marinade.
• No fillers. Fewer anti-caking agents and additives usually means more flavor per spoonful.

How to turn a seasoning blend into a marinade

For about 2 lb (900 g) of chicken or beef, mix 2–3 tablespoons of seasoning with 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice and 4 cloves of garlic. A garlic press makes quick work of the garlic. Add 1/4 cup plain yogurt for chicken. Marinate at least 1 hour, ideally overnight. Taste a pinch of the blend first and adjust salt.

Store-bought vs. homemade

Store-bought blends win on convenience and consistency. Homemade wins on freshness and control. If you want to try your own, our shawarma spice guide breaks down every spice and ratio, and our all-purpose shawarma marinade is a great starting point.

FAQ

What spices are in shawarma seasoning?

Most blends include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric and black pepper, with smaller amounts of cinnamon, allspice, cardamom and cloves. Recipes vary by region and family.

Is shawarma seasoning spicy?

It is usually warm and aromatic rather than hot. Some blends add cayenne or chili; check the label.

Can I use shawarma seasoning on vegetables?

Yes. It is excellent on roasted cauliflower, chickpeas and potatoes.